Our Favorite Buddy Stories

Eliza Clark March 9, 2009

As our preschoolers spend more and more time with their friends -- all those playdates and outings and school hours and birthday parties -- they tend to become more and more fascinated with the art of friendship. That must be why stories about best buddies are such sure winners with this young crowd. Here are our top three favorites of all time:

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel. What makes this amphibious duo so remarkable is their endless patience and sympathy for each other's foibles. The five stories in the collection have gently absurd plots that keep the little ones amused and wanting to read more. Luckily, the rest of the series is fabulous as well!

George and Martha: The Complete Stories by James Marshall. There is no more lighthearted yet tender depiction of friendship than in these brief, humorous stories. We recommend them so highly to all.

Bert and Ernie's Greatest Hits. We can't discuss all-time fave buddy stories and leave out these two, can we? This cd compiles many of their amazing musical numbers ("Rubber Ducky" and "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" among other greats). Of course, we are also devoted fans of the Sesame Street Old School dvds which are the perfect way to introduce the pair.

Most of our little ones have never experienced anything close to the intense and exclusive friendships of Bert and Ernie, Frog and Toad, or George and Martha, but that matters not a whit. What they love and learn from is observing all the squabbles and compromises, the annoyances and joys and fun that buddies bring each other.

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